The Denver Nuggets have been very busy this offseason. After a less-than-desirable result in the playoffs, it was clear that the franchise still had some work to do to compete with the best in the league. Of course, losing your second and third best players for an entire season makes things even more difficult. However, the Golden State series exposed the Nuggets’ weaknesses and Denver wasted no time trying to fix those weak points this summer. With a healthy roster this season, championship aspirations are back in the Mile Lake City and the team’s chemistry is showing early in training camp.
Denver Nuggets: Team chemistry is already a focal point.
Denver Nuggets: Busy summer
The Nuggets have gained and lost some valuable assets this offseason. Their longtime vice president of basketball operations and former GM Tim Connelly left for the rival Minnesota Timberwolves. The team confused fans by not returning DeMarcus Cousins, who was a valuable backup center last year. As a result, they signed the aging DeAndre Jordan, however, he can still prove to be a good veteran. But they also made the necessary moves.
The team traded Will Barton and Monte Morris to the Washington Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. A player who will fit seamlessly into Denver’s lineup and provide much-needed defensive length to disrupt the elite perimeter players in the NBA. They’ve also got a valuable wing defender in Bruce Brown, who is also very good in the locker room and will likely be tasked with chasing the likes of Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and the like. The Nuggets have clearly emphasized offense and perimeter defense with guys like Christian Brown and Peyton Watson. Although this season has been challenging, the Denver Nuggets already seem poised to make a run for the title.
The start of Denver’s promising training camp
The team chemistry of this new-look Nuggets team is already catching the eyes of coaches and the media. With new veterans to go along with a healthy Jamaal Murray and Michael Porter, the shakeup was pure. Just ask head coach Michael Malone. “There’s a different vibe in the gym. This team has a great vibe,” Malone said. “The energy was great, the work ethic was great, and I think the guys feel something about this team that we have a chance to be special.” There’s also footage of a Denver Nuggets scrimmage where the entire team looks great. Compared to last season, they look more coordinated and in sync.
Compiled scoring plays from scoring games during Nuggets training camp pic.twitter.com/fZycPHgceT
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) October 1, 2022
One can get some valuable observations from this recording. Perhaps most importantly, Jamal Murray looks healthy and his confidence is back. Porter also seems to spring and still be able to keep defenses loyal to his triple threat. The bench also beat out rookies in the fourth round of training camp, showing that its depth should be greatly improved this offseason. Overall, the team culture seems amazing and it’s a trait that championship teams usually share.
